By SEMA News Editors
I-CAR Announces Key Initiatives to Advance Industry Standards Ahead of 2025 National Conference
I-CAR--the provider of technical educational programming, related technical services and industry talent solutions in collision repair--has announced key initiatives ahead of its 2025 national conference, February 27-28 in Houston, Texas.
These initiatives are designed to enhance collision repair education and related standards for complete, safe, quality repairs and that will tackle the technician shortage that continues to affect the entire industry. Among these are enhancements to its I-CAR Academy entry-level curriculum for schools and shops and the addition of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) learning requirements to its Gold Class and Platinum recognition programs. These efforts are further underscored by the achievement of 10,000 Gold Class shops in 2024, updated consumer promotional materials for Gold Class repair facilities, and the debut of the "I Count on I-CAR" marketing campaign. I-CAR ended 2024 with 10,014 Gold Class shops across the United States, a testament to the industry's collective commitment to excellence in the face of the ongoing technical tsunami of continuous advancement in vehicle and repair technologies. As modern vehicles become increasingly complex, expanding the Gold Class network ensures more communities have access to expertly trained repair professionals who prioritize safety, quality and continuous education. This growth aligns with I-CAR's mission to equip technicians with the knowledge and skills to navigate emerging technologies and safeguard the driving public with complete, safe and quality repairs. This shop milestone also serves as the halfway point to I-CAR's longer-term goal of 20,000 Gold Class Shops, growing from 2,661 Gold Class shops in 2012.
"Achieving this milestone reflects our industry's shared vision, aligning advanced vehicle technology with repair expertise to help ensure driver safety on the road," said John Van Alstyne, CEO and president of I-CAR.
For more information, read the I-CAR announcement here.
Two Leading Ladies in the Driven Brands Collision Group Network Speak to Driven Brands Employees During Recent Event
Last month, the Women's Employee Resource Group (ERG) at Driven Brands hosted a powerful virtual event featuring a panel of accomplished female franchise owners, all from the Driven Brands Collision Group, made up of Abra, CARSTAR and Fix Auto USA. The event showcased their inspiring journeys, leadership experiences and the impact they've made in the automotive industry.
Laura Kottschade, the proud owner of Jerry's Abra Auto Body & Glass in Mankato, Minnesota, shared how she has continued her family's 50-year legacy in the business. Kottschade discussed her rise from working in the parts room to owning the franchise, as well as her community-focused efforts, including raising over $3,800 for Alzheimer's research just last year and supporting first responders with hands-on training events. Her dedication to her business and community earned her the Abra Community Champion award in 2024 at the annual conference.
"Being part of this panel was an incredible opportunity to share my journey and connect with other women who are making a difference in this industry," said Kottschade. "It's important to show the impact women can have in collision repair, and how we're breaking barriers and changing the landscape."
Wendy Murray, who operates six successful locations across CARSTAR and Fix Auto USA alongside her son, Kyle, highlighted the importance of family in her business. Murray, whose family has been deeply rooted in the network since 2014, discussed how she continues to empower women in business and create opportunities for success within the industry. She also serves on the CARSTAR advisory council and the Edge Performance Group, helping to shape the future of the industry.
"Being on this panel allowed me to reflect on how far we've come as women in collision repair," said Murray. "It's inspiring to see so many women breaking into leadership roles and proving that success in this industry is about skill, determination, and passion."
The Driven Brands Women's Employee Resource Group aims to connect employees across Driven to create a community where everyone can learn, develop, innovate, and network. It's open to women and allies across the company. The ERG has hosted panel discussions, networking events, and volunteer activities. It's a grassroots organization led by employees.
For more information, visit drivenbrands.com.
D Lot Designer Display and Charity Auto Returns to Detroit Autorama Hot Rod Show
The D Lot Designer's Display and Charity Auction will be back at the Detroit Autorama Hot Rod Show, February 28 through March 2, 2025, at Huntington Place in Detoroit, Michigan, with more than $50,000 in prizes available for auction and raffle. The D Lot has raised more than $250,000 for charitable causes, generating more than 200,000 meals for the hungry and helping valuable wishes for children in need become a reality. Proceeds from the 2025 D Lot online auction will benefit Make-A-Wish Michigan.
The D Lot was created more than 10 years ago by Murray Pfaff of Pfaff Designs and is now considered one of the largest displays at the Detroit Autorama.
This year's The D Lot display includes:
- Previous Make-A-Wish recipient Josh Agnello shows off his '68 Ford Galaxie Wish Car gifted to him 18 years ago.
- Slot Mods shows off its new mega-slot car rally track flanked by two classic rally cars: Murray Pfaff's '68 Saab and Matt Lifter's iconic Mini Cooper.
- Darell Johnston of Carolina Speed & Metal debuts two incredible builds, which were submitted for the Ridler Award competition: Sal Vicari's magnificent '39 Lincoln Zephyr Fastback and Darell's own vibrant '70 Plymouth 'cuda.
- Other cars include Szott Automotive's Panther Pink electric Dodge Charger Daytona and Ted Johnson's Richard Petty edition '24 Mustang GT Convertible, both cars designed by Murray Pfaff.
Companies who contributed to The D Lot and make this event a success include its presenting sponsor--Pilot Transport; Primary sponsors--Auto Metal Direct, 3D car care products, POR-15; and participating sponsors Gearhead Homes, Painless Performance Products, Forgeline, Ididit, Vanguard Motors, U Coat-it, Diamond Back Tires, Axiom Graphics, MotorCity Auto Spa, Kicker, Phoenix Transmissions, Bilstein, WireCare, ALRO Metals Outlet, Slot Mods, California Car Cover, Hemmings and Pfaff Designs.
Tickets for the "Pick-A-Prize" raffle during the Detroit Autorama are $5 each with a chance to win items ranging from a hand-crafted gasser-styled pedal car, 52-in. toolbox, 65-in. smart TV, performance parts, tools, audio components and much more.
The D Lot online auction extends two to three weeks beyond the event and can be accessed here. Some of the items up for auction include a Detroit Historical Society Guided Tour for up to 10 People of The Secret Storage Facility, vehicle shipping anywhere in the lower 48 states from Pilot Transport, Certificate Towards the Purchase of any Phoenix Transmissions automatic transmission torque converter, certificate for $500 towards the purchase of any AMD products, $2,500 off Forgeline Wheels, and $2,500 off Schott Performance Wheels.
For more information and to participate in the silent auction, visit facebook.com/thedlot.